Posted on October 23 2024
It's October and my plans seem to change daily. CL Repair got my tires in at one on Monday and Craig was able to do all the work on the car while I was crossing off items on my closedown list. Car was done by 3:30 and I packed it full of stuff and headed home. Not saying I'm done fishing but my next trip down may well be to shut off the water and drain the pipes. Of course if I shoot that ten pointer Thursday, all that could change.
Right now dry fly fishermen have very few good options. The EB fish have been pounded and are no longer eating on the surface. The WB is a sea of mud and the release has been raised. The BR is also very muddy and I have been unable to find good consistent bug hatches there for the last month. One ray of hope is that the UEB release is being stepped down, and at lower levels may offer so good pseudo fishing. The BK and Willow remain very low, and, at least when I've stopped by, bugless.
I enjoyed excellent dry fly fishing right through October 18th, on the 19th I caught but two fish, and I was skunked on the 20th. It makes it easier to transition into deer hunting mode when the fishing shuts down.
Ed S. asked what color I use on my iso bodies. Olive green. Pick an iso up off the water, turn it over and the underside is an olive color. I always like to use the color the fish see when tying flies.
D. Von asked about posted signs on the EB. It's an issue that probably won't be resolved until a law suit is brought and appealed to the NYS Court of Appeals. The only case on point was one involving then state senator Barkley up on the Salmon River. A lower court ruled that if the landowner has title to the river bottom it is trespass to wade or anchor there. The water and fish remain public property. I've heard that the state has taken the position that landowners can't stop someone from wading in the river as long as they accessed the river legally. Was told that the posted signs at Long Flat were removed. If you are talking about the signs upstream from the public access at Fishes Eddy, they have been there for years, most people stay in the water and fish. I have no idea if the person's deed runs to the center line of the river, if it does, I suppose you are in danger of becoming the test case everyone is waiting for.
Note to Bill Raines - Jim Dygert gave you excellent advice. Fortunately people like you encountered are but a small minority, and they tend to wreak their havoc when no one else is around. Everyone should carry the DEC hot line number and use it whenever you observe violators. The wardens can't be everywhere at once but will respond promptly whenever they receive word that an offense is being committed. DEC Hot Line 844-3323267
A beautiful October day, fishing with friends, rising fish to target, getting a few to net…a great way to finish “A Season on the Delaware”…..available on Amazon!!
The Assoc. Ed’s had a nice day fishing yesterday and discussed future plans on fishing next season. It was a beautiful day to be on the water.
Angler119- The Assoc. Eds meet and spent a wonderful summer-like afternoon on the BR. Olives of different sizes were about and JimN and Dennis cashed in landing several nice rainbows. Jim caught a beautiful 19”er and Dennis a 16” er among others. Unfortunately EdS.’ bank account was empty and he is relegated to the bench. It will be a long and lonely winter. Hope Dave serves hot chocolate. We also want to thank Dave for his help and hospitality throughout the season We hope Jean’s doctor visit went well. . All Our Best for a Happy and Healthy Winter. The Assoc. Eds
I’m hoping everyone has a safe and productive off season. Absolutely love this site not only for the information on the Delaware system but all your insights and daily musings on life in general. I look forward for the first hatches of 2025 when we can do it all over again..safe travels A119!
Angler119- Sorry that You can’t join us. But we hope all goes well with Jean’s doctor visit. Again , we all want to thank you for sharing your experiences, wisdom and most of all , your friendship this past season. Have a wonderful winter. All Our Best , the Assoc. Eds
Thanks for the invite but Jean has an appointment with her orthopedic surgeon and I will be going with her. Will be going down next Tuesday to drain the pipes and close the camp.
Angler119- The Assoc.Eds are meeting at noon tomorrow,Wednesday at Shehawkin to close out the season. Can You join us? We understand you’ve probably “shut it down”. But if you’re free, please come over. All Our Best for a great winter. The Assoc. Eds
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Mr 119, you are a gentlemen and a scholar!
You are the John Gierach (may he rest in peace) of the Delaware!
A119
Sad to see another season end….always is.
It sure has been a roller coaster flows and weather wise. I guess that is normal except for the aqueduct construction.
I caught a lot of nice fish this year so that was successful. Great to see and hear of other’s successes too. Not many bench visits!
But the best part was connecting and fishing with friends! A119 and the editorial board, be well, fish hard and stay in touch.
Dennis-I feel the same about both Angler119 and your friendship. Hoping to fish one more time next week. Hope you can join me. Let’s keep in touch. Ed
A119 thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of the sport of fly fishing. Your knowledge of the fish,flies and the how too’s are amazing to me. A walking encyclopedia on the WB system and fly fishing.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about fly fishing,it has made me a better fly fisherman.
Also thanks to Ed Smith and Jim N for all your help and Flies. It’s a great feeling to make new friends and share the great sport of fly fishing!!!!
A119 good luck deer hunting and post if you harvest a buck
A119 thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of the sport of fly fishing. Your knowledge of the fish,flies and the how Roos amazing to me. A walking encyclopedia on the WB system.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about fly fishing,it has made me a better fly fisherman.
Also thanks to Ed Smith and Jim N for all your help and Flies. It’s a great feeling to make new friends and share the great sport of fly fishing!!!!
A119 good luck deer hunting and post if you harvest a buck
I’m going with The Ripcords and Hey Little Cobra..I actually bought a Cobra jacket patch when this came out and followed Carrol Shelby’s exploits on the track…a long,long time ago. Be safe!
Dennis2 you are spot on, that is what I find so interesting and entertaining about 119s posts. They are also as entertaining as they are informative. How to approach the Delaware…very well said and thanks to 119 full of Wisdom
Hey Mr. Angler, thank you for your info on the posted signs. I did walk up long flat in the water and that same big post with all the signs on it is still there for those who are curious. no access past this point by decree….k, A new blue sign on the post that says only invited guests past this point blah blah blah. It’s a shame I’ve lost three accesses just this season and more restrictions like no dogs allowed! Thank you so much for your writing and look forward to many more stories. Best D. Von
Sad that in a short time I won’t have 119 or boxscores to read in the morning, until April. I learn something important from almost every piece. One can get information on hatches and patterns from a multitude of sources, but 119 teaches one how to approach the Delaware, which is almost more important than the intricacies.
Angler119-Sad to read your packing up your 409 and the season may be ending. Thank You so much for your advice, great stories and friendship,. I learn something new every day. Have a great winter. All My Best. Ed